Little Red and the Crocodile

Little Red And The Crocodile is a fractured fairy tale, that would be a great read aloud for a group or as part of a unit on Fractured Fairy Tales. The story was engaging and creative. Zara was an imaginative version of Little Red Riding Hood. She made a fun relatable character for kids. My Sons 7 and 4 wanted more color in the illustrations, but I understand that it is the style the author wanted so it opened up a discussion about the types of illustrations The loved to compare the story to the original. I would highly recommend this book to educators and families.


I received a complimentary copy of this book, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

‘Little Red and the Crocodile’ is a wonderful modern adaptation to the European fairy tale, 'Little Red Riding Hood.' In ‘Little Red and the Crocodile’, Little Red is a modern-day girl known as Zara. Zara's mother finally believes Zara is old enough to walk to her Auntie Moshee’s house in the heart of the marshy swamp alone. As Zara's journies to her Aunt’s house, she encounters a couple of interesting characters the most noticeable one, the crocodile. Similar to the classic tale, ‘Little Red and the Crocodile’ is a golden reminder to all kids not to talk to strangers nor share any personal information with a stranger. The illustrations throughout the book are adorable and were a hit with my six-year-old daughter.

There's a reason why some stories are enduring and continue to amaze and delight through time. Little Red Riding Hood is often attributed to the Brothers Grimm in the 17th Century however evidence suggest that its origins lay much earlier and across several european countries, some as early as the 10th Century! The morals of the story are however what gives it the longevity and are still miraculously pertinent today. Johnsons retelling of the classic is brilliantly updated to resonate with todays young readers in such a way that we can impart life lessons with fun and adventure.

Little Red, who's real name is Zara is given the important privilege of being allowed to walk to Aunty Moshee's house by herself for the first time. The rules are simple; don't stop to talk to anyone, don't give away your personal information and always use your manners. But of course within the innocence and imagination of children, Zara does stop to talk to people she knows, stops to 'smell the flowers' and stops to talk to a very polite crocodile.

I adore the illustrations in this edition and can imagine them on the wall of a nursery or young child's room. There's so much to talk about within the pictures and this is such a clever way to engage little readers. The writing is also presented in such a way that it allows for dramatic actions to accompany.

My little bookworm loved this story and will continue to love it as she grows. Pertinent, resonant and magical - exactly what a fairy tale should be!